Preparing Our Landscape for Winter

A few days ago I walked along the edge of the lake and was treated to the crunch and rustle of leaves with each step I made. The acoustics of this season are different and all sounds, no matter how hushed, are as crisp as autumn air. ~Eric Sloane

Today I have a few more tips for preparing our garden and landscape as winter approaches.

-If you are transplanting or planting new lilies, (all varieties) try adding peat to the soil before planting. This will help the soil, and the lilies.

-If you have any ponds or water features with water plants now is a good time to thin them out if they have become crowded. Also, clean out any leaves or other debris and cover the pond with a net or mesh outdoor fabric to keep it clean until spring.

-You can plant rhubarb in October and clean up any existing patches that you have already. As with other perennials you want to clean up dead foliage, leaves and other debris around the plants to avoid anything damp/wet from laying against the crowns/centers of the rhubarb plants. If your plants have become very large you can also divide them. Mulch the rhubarb with compost.

Are you getting the urge to "clean" your houseplants? Don't use those commercial leaf shine products, just use a damp, clean cotton rag to gently wipe the leaves of your house plants. If you find they are quite dirty you can add a teeny bit of dish soap like Ivory to your water, then dip in the rag and wipe the leaves. As a preventive measure, buy a small spray bottle, fill it with water and spray your plants on a regular basis!

On OFL we have tips on preparing your roses for winter:
http://www.oldfashionedliving.com/rosecare.html